A Dream Winter Wedding Styled Shoot

I wanted to share something a little different with you. As a make up artist it is so important that I keep challenging myself and flexing my creative muscles. If I just sat back and let myself feel content with what I already know I’d get stuck in a rut – and bored! Styled shoots are a great way for creatives to get creative! I loved taking part in this Winter Wedding Shoot.

Back in December 2020 I was asked to do the makeup for an amazing styled magazine shoot.

The brief was to create a sense of freedom, a fun free-flowing shoot after a year of restrictions and rules – so freedom was completely the right word – as everyone involved was craving that more than anything else.

Ultimately the shoot was about allowing the talent to enjoy the beautiful space of Harvest House, Wedding Venue and have fun dancing in the fabulous gowns.

Harvest House Wedding Venue, a little taste of History

A prestigious hotel called the Felix in Felixstowe opened in May of 1903, the venue was a hotel for 50 years, subsequently offices and currently retirement apartments.

It is a beautiful building.

As a hotel Wallis Simpson secretly hid away there whilst awaiting her divorce.

Harvest House is a Grade 2 listed building with a beautiful Palm Court, boasting a glass domed ceiling and original marble floor, it really was the most amazing setting.

On a cold winters day,(with unexpected snow) I travelled to Felixstowe. I was super lucky to meet two beautiful models to work with. Ellen and Summer are both dancers so they did just that; danced around the beautiful rooms in their dresses, which made for stunning pictures.

The elegance and grace was beautifully captured. I particularly love the photos where the models are kicking their legs up. These beautiful gowns show that Wedding dresses don’t have to be restricting if you want to dance the night away. (And you absolutely should!)

The ‘Looks’

For Summer’s first look I opted for icy blue eye make up to reflect the weather and the marble surroundings. Giving the look a real cool feel. I used the Carli Bybel pallet by Anastasia Beverly Hills, and a a neutral lip to finish. With Summer’s blonde hair in a soft style, with movement, and added texture and curls by the fabulous Lynnette. Summer, of course looked stunning.

For look number two on Summer I went for a warmer feel to show a contrast from the ice queen look. I used golden and chocolate brown shades of eyeshadow and a glossy lip. Lynnette opted for the undone up do, flattering and soft  which suits many brides and many dress styles too.

For Ellen’s first look I went neutral on the lid, smoky brown contouring with a simple winged eyeliner to elongate the eyes with a dusting of bronzer and a thick full strip lash, pale pink lips and blusher to finish.

Changing it slightly for Ellen’s second look, I went with a 20’s style with red lips and a hint of sparkle on the lid, to give it a modern twist using urban decay space cowboy. Which is just enough sparkle without being too glittery.

Lynnette gave Ellen a relaxed half up, half down style, adding in clip in extensions to bring out texture in the style for the camera.

What a beautiful (but cold) day. Those poor girls dancing on the marble floor for the sake of beautiful pictures had freezing cold feet. Now that’s really dedication for you (thank you girls!)

This shoot was featured in Bride Magazine! I loved every moment of it and still love the pictures so much. I never get bored of seeing them. I love the dancing.

Sadie brought out the best in the girls and you can really see it.

The makeup looks work so well in the pictures and styles that can be adapted for anyone to wear. So, do give your favourite look a try!

Supplier list

Magazine @bridemagazineofficial

Photos @bigfishphotography1

Hair @lynnettechasmerhairstylist

dresses @broomvalebridalbarn

Venue @harvesthouseweddings

Flowers @cmaeventslimited